News Release

Kathryn Purwin takes over as CEO of Helinet Aviation Services

Kathryn Purwin, jet and helicopter pilot and widow of Alan Purwin, today takes over as CEO of Helinet Aviation Services. Helinet is a leading international provider of corporate travel, emergency medical service, electronic news gathering, motion picture, television and commercial production services since 1987.

Alan Purwin died on September 11, 2015. A pioneer in helicopter aviation and highly respected in the entertainment industry, Alan built a reputation for his work as an aerial coordinator and film pilot in hundreds of Hollywood movies while simultaneously establishing Helinet as a reputed aviation and technology company.

In addition to further supporting law enforcement and military, as the company moves forward Kathryn is equally committed to continuing Alan’s legacy of giving back, particularly to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The Purwin family, through Helinet, donated two Sikorsky helicopters for patient transport to CHLA and provide pilots 24/7, maintenance and all operational expenses at no cost to the hospital.

The Purwins met at Santa Monica Airport in the early 1980’s. They were married in 1994 and over the following two decades Kathryn supported Alan as he built Helinet Aviation into the highly respected and successful business it is today. In addition to its work in surveillance, Helinet currently owns and operates 16 helicopters and is well known for its work in ENG (electronic news gathering) patient and organ transport, and high-end charter services.

“I caught the aviation bug and committed myself to building my flight time and experience until I became qualified to fly co-pilot and captain in several types of jets,” she said. “Now I fully intend to apply the same focus and commitment to keeping Alan’s life’s work, Helinet, strong and successful.”

Of the staff Kathryn said, “Alan built a loyal and close-knit team made up of some of the most respected professionals in aviation. Some have been at Helinet since it started. These people are family to me as they were to Alan, and my goal is to return their loyalty and comradery and to do everything I can to ensure a solid future for us all.”